Northants v Somerset: Lewis Gregory puts hosts in command

Lewis Gregory took a career-best 6-47 as Somerset took control against Northants on day two at Northampton.

Resuming on 366-8, Somerset added only nine to their overnight total as they were bowled out for 375.

Gregory struck six times in 17 overs, including the wicket of Kyle Coetzer (37), while Alfonso Thomas removed Adam Rossington (48) and David Willey (53) as the hosts were skittled for 221.

Somerset closed on 72-3 in their second innings, giving them a lead of 226.

All-rounder Willey had led a counter-attack for the home side, hitting four sixes as he reached his half century from 42 balls after Gregory's heroics had left Northants in trouble at 188-9,

The visitors chose not to enforce the follow-on and initially struggled to press home their advantage, taking only five runs off the first six overs and losing captain Marcus Trescothick who fell lbw to Willey for four.

Four balls later, Azharullah removed Nick Compton, and although opener Chris Jones (27 not out) and Colin Ingram (37) led Somerset's fightback, the latter was lbw to James Middlebrook off the final ball of the day.

BBC Radio Northampton's Chris Egerton:

"A day which began with concluding their first innings, ended with the visitors beginning their second innings and in control of this game.

"In the intervening period, Northants struggled against an accurate and potent seam attack and their top order - devoid of confidence after their horror run in the Championship - failed once again. Rossington - on loan from Middlesex - and Coetzer briefly challenged but it was only Willey's forceful knock that got Northants close to avoiding the follow-on.

"In the event, Trescothick's decision not to enforce it means that Somerset should make the game safe on Monday but quick wickets early on may keep Northants in with an outside chance."